DDGER Jeweling Ceremony

Harvey Boelts Honored in Jeweling Ceremony

July 25, 2015: The Lodge was the scene of an Elks time-honored ceremony; “The Jeweling of an Elks District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.” The proud recipient of the jewels of the office for the Fraternal year 2015 – 2016 was Past State Vice President Harvey Boelts. Harvey joined the Mission Viejo Lodge in 1999 and progressed through the various positions within the organization to his present day honor. The duties of the high office of District Deputy include the supervision of the ten (10) Elks Lodges in Orange County. Harvey and wife Betty live in San Juan Capistrano and have three (3) sons and six (6) grandchildren all living in Orange County. The event was kept a family affair as guests enjoyed a special dinner prepared by sons Dennis and Michael and Michael's wife Laura of Mission Viejo with the able assistance of other family members.

Elks dignitaries, officers, and members from all the surrounding cities and Lodges were in attendance and were greeted by Exalted Ruler (ER) Camacho Alvarez, wife Mary Ann, and the corps of Lodge officers ER Camacho introduced Lodge Secretary and past District Deputy Norm Jones who acted as master of ceremonies for the evening’s program. He also made the presentation of the jewels of office to District Deputy Harvey. In his acceptance speech, District Deputy Boelts thanked the many Elks responsible for supporting him in his efforts through the years leading to his appointment. He gave special praise to wife Betty and said, “It’s a fact that none of us men or women in Elkdom could have achieved our successes without the help of our spouses, families and loved ones.” Among his many accomplishments, District Deputy Boelts is credited for his outstanding management of the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge’s Bingo Program and successful Elks Charity Committee. He also served as Orange Coast District Scholarship Chairman and Americanism Chairman. He pledged to continue his Lodge work in the Saddleback Valley community as well as fulfill his responsibilities to all the Lodges of Orange County. Also receiving their jewels at the ceremony were members of the District Deputy’s team: Rick Bruce Exalted Ruler of the Huntington Beach Elks Lodge serving as Auditor to the District Deputy, Scott Stephens a past Exalted Ruler of the Fullerton Elks Lodge serving as Esquire to the District Deputy, and Mike Klinger an officer of the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge serving as Photographer to the District Deputy.